Sokoto: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to fruit dealers and sellers concerning the use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits intended for commercial sale. This caution was delivered by the NAFDAC Coordinator in Sokoto state, Mr. Abdulsalam Lawal, during a public awareness campaign at a fruit market in Sokoto.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Lawal emphasized the risks associated with this practice, noting that it poses significant threats to public health. He highlighted the potential severe health consequences of using calcium carbide, such as kidney damage, cancer, hypertension, and other terminal diseases. Lawal stressed the dangers especially with Ramadan approaching, a time when fruit consumption typically increases, and warned against hastening fruit ripening using hazardous methods.
Lawal further explained that the use of calcium carbide is legally restricted to welders for tasks like melting iron. NAFDAC plans to heighten its surveillance efforts to ensure its proper use and prevent sales to fruit vendors. He pointed out that fruits such as mango, banana, pawpaw, and watermelon are commonly ripened using calcium carbide in the region.
Alhaji Bello Danda, Chairman of the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Marketers and Distributors in Sokoto, encouraged sellers to adopt hygienic practices consistently. He cautioned that those found violating these guidelines would face consequences. Danda demonstrated safe methods for ripening mangoes, bananas, and watermelons on a commercial scale without endangering consumers.
The fruit market in Sokoto attracts patrons from across Nigeria and neighboring countries, underscoring the importance of maintaining safe practices. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this awareness initiative began on February 18, with the NAFDAC team engaging with marketers at various locations to address these issues.